Photography is one of the most important expenditures of your wedding day, in that it will be the one thing you will receive and cherish for years to come. Budgeting is always important, but if photo memories are important to you, don't put photography budget and decisions at the end of your wedding planning.
Interview many photographers over the phone or email, then meet with at least 2 or 3 photographers in person to learn about your options.
Don't feel pressured into signing a contract or making a decision. You shouldn't be pushed into a quick contract by a salesperson. There are hundreds of wedding photographers in Arizona alone. I often refer brides to clients when I am already booked for their date.
Don't worry so much about what style label the photographer has chosen (traditional, photojournalistic, contemporary, artistic, freestyle, etc.) Many photographers today shoot various styles. If you like their portfolio images, then it shouldn't matter what the style name is.
Make sure that the photographer that you are meeting with is the one that will actually photograph your wedding (bigger companies have many photographers on staff.)
Weddings are so personal, you want to know the person who will attend!
Make sure that all of the portfolio images that you are viewing were taken by the photographer that you are considering. Especially with bigger companies; they often mix portfolios.
You may be being impressed by the work of someone that won't even be at your wedding.
View at least two full weddings from beginning to end. Did it seem to tell a full story to you? Were you impressed with the images from start to finish? Make sure that you see various weddings throughout the photographer's portfolio--this will show that they are talented and have ability to do a great job all the time, not just for some weddings.
Your photographer candidate should have samples of images shot in various lighting conditions, with and without flash. A wedding has forever changing and variable, sometimes difficult lighting. Can this photographer handle that with ease? Are some images too bright or too dark to where details in cake, flowers, dresses are lost?
Often, photographers are flexible with packages. Just ask, and they may be able to work with you to find exactly what will be best for your day and needs.
Don't be afraid of digital photography! I managed a camera store and photolab for ten years, and always said that I would NEVER switch to digital. I am eating my words--I switched back in 2003 to full digital. If it is done with quality equipment, knowledge of the equipment, and computer skills/talent, it can be as good if not better than film photography.
Most important thing about choosing a photographer is finding one that you actually like as a person! Photographers are usually at your wedding from way before ceremony and through most of the reception-- you should spend that day with someone that you feel comfortable with and that you feel friendly with! The best photographs come when you are so comfortable that you forget the photographer is photographing away. They should get teary eyed with you, laugh with you, and feel the day, so that the photographs have the same feelings in them.
Your photographer should do anything and everything to make the most of each shot.
In example, I have climbed fire escapes, crawled on the ground, and balanced on fences and chairs. In some instances, extremes like this are necessary to capture the angle, view, lighting, & moment. The thing that makes a photographer do such acts is not to look impressive, but the passion to create the art.
On a personal note, when I go to a wedding with my camera gear, I call it going out to the 'trenches' I know I have a job to do, and I intend to do whatever it takes. It is going to be long and tiring wedding day, running with my cameras, but I always leave my house with a smile. |
